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Colonial Williamsburg Gardens

Colonial
Williamsburg is known for its cool green spaces, tidy flower gardens,
fenced pastures, trimmed boxwoods, and big shade trees. It was not
always so, as a 1777 account of the view from the cupola of the
College of William and Mary indicates that both the York River and
the James River were visible from that vantage point, because the
view was unobstructed by trees.

Historians and horticulturists have combined historically
accurate native plants with exotics that tolerate the hot humid
summers to create gardens and green spaces that keep visitors coming
back again and again to photograph and enjoy. Garden clubs make
regular excursions to see the gardens and participate in Colonial
Williamsburg gardening programs. At Christmas, plant materials are
used to make some of the most beautiful and anticipated decorations
in the country.

Whether you are interested in planning your own colonial
garden, researching native plants, participating in an educational
gardening program, visiting the colonial nursery, or taking a garden
walking tour, you are sure to enjoy Colonial Williamsburg's gardens.

Garden Programs

“Through the Garden Gate”
This walking tour focuses on the historic documents and archaeological evidence used in creating The Revolutionary City gardens.

“Gardens of Gentility”
This escorted walking tour visits the gardens of the Governor's Palace and other gardens along Palace Green.

“Meet the Gardener”
Garden volunteers answer questions about growing flowers and vegetables in The Revolutionary City.